Watch True Whispers: The Story Of The Navajo Code Talkers

True Whispers: The Story Of The Navajo Code Talkers is a 2018 documentary film that tells the remarkable story of the Navajo Code Talkers, a group of Indigenous American servicemen who played a vital role in World War II. The film is directed by Adam Jonas Horowitz and produced by Horowitz and Shawn Nightingale. The Navajo Code Talkers were recruited by the United States Marine Corps during WWII to create an unbreakable code based on the Navajo language. The Marine Corps had tried other codes, including ones based on languages like Basque and Choctaw, but they had all been broken by the enemy which enabled them to gain a strategic advantage. But the Navajo code, based on a complex and unwritten series of tonal and consonant-based commands, was impossible to decipher. During the war, the Code Talkers used their language skills to transmit important messages in the Pacific Theater, helping to turn the tide of the war against Japan.

The film traces the history of the Navajo Code Talkers from their upbringing on the reservation to their deployment in the military. True Whispers is a gripping tribute to the men who served and the heroic acts of bravery they undertook in the line of duty. The movie features interviews with surviving Code Talkers Robert Walley, Fleming Begaye Sr., and George James Sr.; historians and scholars, as well as archival footage and photos from the era.

True Whispers isn't just a history lesson; it is a powerful story of the resilience and strength of a people who have faced incredible adversity, from the forced relocation of the Navajo people in the 1860s to the insidious campaigns of assimilation policies that were enacted throughout much of the 20th century. The film also explores the deep cultural ties between the Navajo Code Talkers and their language, which was considered sacred and had been passed down through generations by oral tradition.

The documentary emphasizes the importance of the Navajo culture and language, as well as the integral roles the Code Talkers played in the war efforts. It also touches on the racism and discrimination that the Code Talkers faced upon their return to America, despite their status as war heroes. The bravery and dedication of these men led to a shift in American policy towards Native American communities, and True Whispers pays tribute to this legacy.

Overall, True Whispers: The Story Of The Navajo Code Talkers is a moving and informative documentary that sheds light on a largely unknown and under-appreciated aspect of American history. It is a testament to the power of cultural resilience in the face of immense adversity, as well as the importance of the Navajo language in contemporary society. The film succeeds in painting a vivid portrait of the lives of the Navajo Code Talkers and the enduring legacy they have left behind.